Custom IoT platform development
A custom IoT platform that connects your devices, sensors and machines with smart software. Real-time data insight, device management, edge computing and seamless integrations with your existing systems. From proof of concept to a scalable production platform.
Why a custom IoT platform?
Every IoT project is different. The combination of sensors, protocols, data volumes and business logic varies from one organisation to another. Off-the-shelf IoT platforms offer a generic starting point, but when your use case departs from the standard, you soon run into limitations in data processing, integrations or scalability.
From sensor to decision
A custom IoT platform connects your devices to intelligent software that turns data into action. From receiving sensor data via MQTT or LoRaWAN, to real-time processing, storage in time-series databases and visualisation in dashboards. Every layer is built for your specific use case.
At Appfront, we build custom software that is fully yours. No vendor lock-in to a cloud provider, no escalating per-device licences, and complete control over your data and architecture.
Modules we build
A custom IoT platform is made up of modular building blocks that you combine based on your use case. Start with the core and expand as the number of devices grows or new functionality is needed.
Device management & provisioning
Manage your entire device fleet from a central platform. From registering and provisioning new devices to configuration, firmware updates (OTA) and lifecycle management. Monitor the status of every device in real time and receive alerts when faults occur.
- Device registration and onboarding
- Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
- Remote configuration and diagnostics
- Device health monitoring and alerts
Data pipelines & processing
Receive, process and store sensor data with a scalable data pipeline. From raw sensor values via MQTT to aggregated insights in time-series databases. Support for stream processing, batch processing and data enrichment.
- MQTT, HTTP and WebSocket ingestion
- Stream processing and event-driven architecture
- Time-series databases (InfluxDB, TimescaleDB)
- Data validation and enrichment
Dashboards & monitoring
Real-time dashboards that turn sensor data into actionable insights. From operational monitoring to management reporting. Interactive maps, charts and KPI widgets that update automatically as new data arrives.
- Real-time data visualisation
- Configurable KPI widgets
- Geospatial maps and floor plans
- Historical trend analysis
Edge computing & gateways
Process data locally on edge devices and gateways for faster response times and lower bandwidth costs. Essential for latency-sensitive applications, environments with limited connectivity, or scenarios where data must not leave the site.
- Local data processing and filtering
- Offline-first with synchronisation
- Edge AI for local decisions
- Gateway management and updates
Alerts & automation
Set up rules that automatically trigger actions based on sensor data. From simple threshold alerts to complex event-driven workflows. Notifications via email, SMS, push, or integration with your existing monitoring tools.
- Rule-based alerting and thresholds
- Anomaly detection with machine learning
- Automated workflows and actions
- Escalation procedures and on-call routing
APIs & integrations
Connect your IoT platform to existing business software via REST APIs, GraphQL or webhooks. Send sensor data to your ERP, CRM or BI tool and receive commands back. Your IoT data becomes part of your existing workflows.
- REST and GraphQL APIs
- Webhook integrations
- ERP, CRM and BI integrations
- SSO and identity management
Every module can be built as part of your IoT platform or as a standalone web application. We are happy to advise you on the best architecture for your use case.
Custom IoT platform vs off-the-shelf platforms
The choice between an off-the-shelf IoT platform and a custom build depends on your scaling needs, the complexity of your data processing and how specific your integration requirements are. Both options have their place.
Standard IoT platforms
Platforms such as Azure IoT Hub, AWS IoT Core or ThingsBoard offer out-of-the-box device management and data ingestion. They suit standard use cases with commonly used protocols. However, you will run into limits with specific data processing logic, complex edge scenarios or the need for full control over your data.
- Quick to get started for standard use cases
- Broad range of core features
- Pay-per-message costs that quickly add up
- Limited customisation of data pipelines
- Vendor lock-in to a cloud provider
Custom IoT by Appfront
A custom IoT platform is built precisely around your devices, protocols and business logic. Your data processing rules, alerting logic and integrations are core functionality, not configuration workarounds. You retain full control over the architecture, the data and the cost per device.
- 100% tailored to your devices and use case
- Ownership of source code and data
- Predictable costs, no per-message pricing
- Freedom to choose cloud, on-premise or hybrid
- Edge computing and offline-first support
Not sure which approach suits you best? Our IT modernisation consultants are happy to help with a proof of concept or architecture advice.
Technologies we use
An IoT platform requires a specific technology stack optimised for high volumes, low latency and reliable data processing. We choose proven technologies for every layer of your platform.
Backend and data layer
The core of your IoT platform runs on a backend capable of handling millions of messages per day. Node.js and Python for application logic, PostgreSQL for relational data, InfluxDB or TimescaleDB for time-series data, and Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ for message processing.
- Node.js, Python and Go
- PostgreSQL, InfluxDB, TimescaleDB
- Apache Kafka and RabbitMQ
- MQTT broker (Mosquitto, EMQX)
Frontend and visualisation
IoT dashboards need to be fast, information-dense and real-time. We build with React and TypeScript for interactive interfaces, D3.js for advanced data visualisations, and WebSocket connections for live updates without page refreshes.
- React and TypeScript
- D3.js and recharts for data visualisation
- WebSocket for live updates
- Responsive for desktop and tablet
Cloud and edge infrastructure
Your IoT platform runs on infrastructure designed for high availability and scalability. AWS, Google Cloud or on-premise, Docker and Kubernetes for container orchestration, and CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
- AWS, Google Cloud or on-premise
- Docker and Kubernetes
- Edge runtime (balenaOS, Yocto)
- Monitoring, logging and alerting
Test your idea first: a working prototype in 1 day
With OneDayBuild, we turn your idea into something tangible in one day for €1,150, so you can see whether further development is worth the investment. Decide to go ahead with the full build? Then we credit the full cost.
Explore OneDayBuild →Protocols and integrations
An IoT platform must communicate with a variety of devices, protocols and business systems. We have experience with all common IoT protocols and build API integrations that connect your IoT data to your existing software landscape.
Connectivity and protocols
Support for MQTT, CoAP, HTTP, WebSocket, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, BLE and Zigbee. We choose the protocol that suits your use case: low power consumption, long range, high bandwidth or local communication.
ERP, CRM and BI
Connect your IoT platform to ERP systems, CRM software, BI tools and supply chain platforms. Sensor data is automatically enriched and made available in your existing workflows.
Hardware and gateways
We advise on hardware selection and build custom middleware to translate between your sensors, gateways and the platform. From industrial PLCs to custom PCBs and off-the-shelf sensor kits.
Why choose Appfront for your IoT platform?
Developing an IoT platform calls for a partner who understands software, data and hardware. Combining real-time data processing, device management and business integrations requires broad technical expertise and a structured approach.
Our approach
Every IoT project starts with a discovery phase: which devices, which data, and which decisions do you want to support? We build a proof of concept to validate technical feasibility before scaling. We then develop in sprints, with short feedback loops and regular demos.
- Discovery and proof of concept phase
- Agile development in two-weekly sprints
- Hardware advice and protocol selection
- Phased device onboarding
- Comprehensive documentation and API docs
Take a look at our full range of services for an overview of our expertise.
What you can expect from us
We build IoT platforms that can handle high data volumes and unpredictable peaks. Clean code, automated testing, monitoring and an architecture that scales from tens to hundreds of thousands of devices. After handover, we remain available for maintenance and new modules.
When designing, take the European Data Act into account. It gives the user of a connected product the right to the data it generates, and for products placed on the market from September 2026 onwards, they must be designed so that this data is accessible by default.
- Ownership of all source code
- Scalable from PoC to production
- Management and support after handover
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response
- Experience with IoT across a range of sectors
Curious about how we work? See our work for examples of projects.
Security and compliance
IoT systems present a potential attack surface. Every device, every connection and every data transfer must be secured. Security is therefore not a layer we add afterwards, but a core part of the architecture.
- End-to-end encryption (TLS/mTLS) for all communication
- Device authentication via certificates and tokens
- Role-based access control by organisation and role
- Audit trails for all device actions and configuration changes
- GDPR compliance in data processing and storage
- Secure boot and firmware signing for edge devices
Read more about our information security policy and vulnerability disclosure policy.
Frequently asked questions about a custom IoT platform
Ready to connect your devices?
Discover how a custom IoT platform can make your operations smarter, more efficient and data-driven. From proof of concept to a scalable production platform. View our services, read more about us, or get in touch directly for a no-obligation conversation.